Islanders encouraged to take time to talk

Lisa Young
BBC News
Visit Guernsey A man and a woman are sitting on the top of a wooden picnic bench on a bright sunny day. He is looking at her and she is looking at the bay in front. The bay has pale sand and a calm blue sea.Visit Guernsey
Amanda Hibbs from Guernsey Mind said listening was as important as talking

Islanders are being encouraged to take time to talk in a bid to improve their and other's mental health.

The team from charity Guernsey Mind is hosting information stands at Coop shops in St Sampson and St Martin on Thursday, which is national Time to Talk Day.

Amanda Hibbs, from the charity, said: "Speaking openly and honestly can be the first step towards better mental health."

She said there were numerous ways to start a conversation, like sharing time over a coffee or chatting on the phone, and that listening is just as important as talking.

Mrs Hibbs said: "Even small gestures can have a substantial impact - offering a cup of tea and a chat can turn a bad day into a better one for a friend or a colleague."

Time to Talk Day is aimed at encouraging people to be more open about mental health, start conversations and listen in a bid to change lives for the better.

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